Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL36849, USA.
1 Corresponding author: Tel: (334) 844–2619; Fax: (334) 844–2641; E-mail: hendral@auburn.edu
Vitamin U (DL-methionine methylsulfonium chloride) is a methionine derivative previously shown to modulate the immune system and protect intestinal membrane cells in humans and swine. Two 42 d trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin U (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 or 1000 ppm) on growth performance, feed efficiency and gastrointestinal integrity in broilers infected with coccidia or Salmonella. Experiment 1 birds (384) were provided 1 ml of an Eimeria cocktail containing E. acervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella via oral gavage on d 10. Excreta scores were determined post inoculation. Birds (480) utilized in Experiment 2 were administered 0.1 ml of Salmonella Kentucky (108 cfu/ml) on day of placement and re-dosed with 1 ml (106 cfu/ml) on d 14. Çecal samples were evaluated to determine presence of Salmonella. Birds in neither experiment showed differences (P>0.05) in body weight gain, feed consumption, or feed efficiency. Villi measurements were affected by vitamin U in both experiments but followed no definite trend. Inclusion of the compound into a commercial diet at these levels provided little advantage, insinuating that perhaps vitamin U levels must be increased to find noticeable improvements in performance and intestinal function during a disease challenge.
Vitamin U, methionine-derivative, Eimeria, Salmonella, broiler
